Winter and summer are the busiest months for commercial HVAC technicians, usually because HVAC maintenance was put on the back burner and the system inevitably fails during the seasons it’s used most. We get it, you’re a busy facilities manager tasked with keeping things running while keeping costs down. But the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true when it comes to preventative maintenance, and it’s actually more affordable than emergency HVAC repair and replacement in the long run.
Reactive vs. Preventative Maintenance
As the names imply, reactive maintenance is waiting until there is a problem and being forced to react to it. It may be cheaper in the short run, but that’s because minor issues aren’t being found and fixed before they become major problems. In addition to costly HVAC replacement or repair in the dead of winter, you also run the risk of losing business if staff and customers are uncomfortable or unable to be in the building.
Preventative maintenance not only finds minor issues before they cripple your system, but it also extends the useful life of your HVAC system. By regularly inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining all of the components, the system is more energy-efficient and operating costs are lower.
Your commercial HVAC technician can be a valuable resource in preparing your system for winter by checking to make sure ducts are sealed and air leakage is minimized, and the system is free of pollutants that could make it sluggish. They can also make additional recommendations for improving the efficiency of your system, such as installing automatic thermostats and using fans to prevent hot air from rising. According to the Department of Energy & Efficiency, you can save 3% on your heating bill for every degree the thermostat is lowered in the winter.
On average, commercial facilities that have comprehensive preventative maintenance programs in place find their total costs are as much as 50% lower than organizations that continue to maintain their equipment reactively.
How To Prepare Your HVAC System For Winter
Schedule preventative maintenance in the fall, before HVAC technicians get busy with emergency repairs and replacements at reactive businesses. In general, you can expect a fall/winter checkup to include:
- Filter replacement
- Check and seal ducts
- Inspect and replace belts and pulleys as needed
- Clear pans and drain lines
- Check electrical connections
- Check and adjust fan and blower motor as needed
- Inspect and adjust ignition and burner on gas systems
- Lubricate moving parts such as bearings and motor
- Test thermostats and controls
- Inspect heat exchanger
Let Trillium Facility Solutions Schedule HVAC Preventative Maintenance For You
Let us save you the hassle of scheduling regular preventative maintenance for your commercial HVAC systems by accessing our vast network of vetted vendors, all at reasonable rates. Give us a schedule, or let us make recommendations for service based on your facility’s age, size, and usage. Never worry about remembering to check filters or call for maintenance, and ultimately save time and money by catching and fixing minor issues early and keeping your system operating at peak performance.
If you’re ready to take the headache out of facilities management and facility maintenance and to free up time to focus on what matters most — running your business — schedule a call with one of our amazing team members. Contact us for more information at 844-372-2699.
